Adjustable and foldable lightweight treadmill exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

A treadmill frame rotationally supporting spaced apart rollers in turn rotatingly engaging a treadmill belt for revolving around the rollers and a motor frame pivotally engaged with the treadmill frame, the frame supporting a drive motor providing rotation of the treadmill belt. An upright frame in a simple rectangular shape with side struts pivotally engaged with the motor frame and a lower lateral struts positioned below the motor frame in a position for resting on a supporting surface. The treadmill frame, motor frame, upright frame and a support strut rotatable about pivots so as to set a treadmill inclination.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Present Disclosure

This disclosure relates generally to exercise equipment and more particularly to a treadmill type apparatus capable of being folded for storage.

2. Description of Related Art including information disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

Chu, U.S. Pat. No. 6,923,747, discloses a foldable treadmill that can be easily reoriented for variable exercise inclinations, as well as, for convenient storage. The treadmill includes a tread assembly and an A-frame assembly positioned about the front end of the tread assembly. The A-frame assembly includes an inclination support connected to a front end of the tread assembly by hinges for varying inclination of the tread assembly. The inclination support can be driven by a motor to rotate the inclination support about such that the inclination support vertically displaces the front end of the tread assembly thereby varying the inclination of the tread assembly. The A-frame assembly includes intermediate and front supports hinged to each other at upper ends thereof. The tread assembly is rotatable to a generally vertical orientation for storage. In the stored position, the spacing between front and intermediate supports is reduced, further facilitating storage. The A-frame assembly can further include a handle assembly having upper portion having handles and a lower portion in motive relation to the tread assembly such that variation in inclination corresponds to vertical displacement of the handle assembly. Dalebout, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,280,362, discloses a treadmill with an adjustable cushioning mechanism configured to adjustably cushion the impact to a user who is exercising on the treadmill. The adjustable cushioning members allow the user to select the amount of cushioning that will be provided while the user is exercising on the treadmill by adjusting the cushioning members to individualize the amount of cushioning for a specific user as well as for a particular type of exercises. The treadmill comprises a frame and an endless belt trained on the frame. The belt has an upwardly exposed exercise section. A deck is disposed between the exercise section of the belt and the frame. The treadmill also comprises a plurality of cushioning members each having a plurality of portions with different cushioning properties. The cushioning members are positioned on opposing sides of the frame. The cushioning members are mechanically interconnected such that movement of one of the cushioning members results in corresponding movement of the other of the cushioning members. The cushioning members are configured to be adjusted so as to selectively position a portion of the cushioning members between the frame and the deck. An adjustable flexible cantilever is disclosed that comprises an arm and a bumper. The arm has one end mounted to the frame and the other end freely disposed from the frame. The bumper extends between the free end of the arm and the deck. A brace mounted to the frame adjacent to the cantilever that can be selectively moved along the length of the cantilever. Dalebout, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,174,267, discloses a treadmill with an adjustable cushioning mechanism configured to adjustably cushion the impact to a user who is exercising on the treadmill. The adjustable cushioning members allow the user to select the amount of cushioning that will be provided while the user is exercising on the treadmill by adjusting the cushioning members to individualize the amount of cushioning for a specific user as well as for a particular type of exercises. The treadmill comprises a frame and an endless belt trained on the frame. The belt has an upwardly exposed exercise section. A deck is disposed between the exercise section of the belt and the frame. The treadmill also comprises a plurality of cushioning members each having a plurality of portions with different cushioning properties. The cushioning members are positioned on opposing sides of the frame. The cushioning members are mechanically interconnected such that movement of one of the cushioning members results in corresponding movement of the other of the cushioning members. The cushioning members are configured to be adjusted so as to selectively position a portion of the cushioning members between the frame and the deck. An adjustable flexible cantilever is disclosed that comprises an arm and a bumper. The arm has one end mounted to the frame and the other end freely disposed from the frame. The bumper extends between the free end of the arm and the deck. A brace mounted to the frame adjacent to the cantilever that can be selectively moved along the length of the cantilever. Liu, U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,925, discloses a running exerciser includes a vertical column, a base seat and a longitudinal transmission mechanism. The inclination of the base seat can be adjusted from downward slope to upward slope and folded. Therefore, the range of adjustment of inclination is widened. The running exerciser driven by the transmission mechanism has high stability and the folding and inclination adjustment of the running exerciser can be accomplished by only one power source. The structure of the running exerciser is simple and the cost is low. Also, the safety in use of the running exerciser can be ensured. Hurt, U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,634 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,638, disclose a fold-up treadmill apparatus intended for in-place walking, jogging, and running exercise. The treadmill apparatus includes a base assembly and a treadmill assembly. The treadmill assembly has a forward end and a rearward end. According to the presently most preferred embodiment, the forward portion of the treadmill assembly is pivotally mounted to the base assembly and the rearward end is free. The treadmill assembly includes a means for raising and lowering the forward end of the treadmill assembly, whereby the incline of the treadmill assembly can be adjusted between about zero degrees to the horizontal and about fifteen degrees to the horizontal when the rearward end of the treadmill assembly is supported on a floor. The rearward end of the treadmill assembly can also be pivotally rotated upward and about the pivotal connection to the base assembly, whereby the treadmill assembly can be moved between a substantially horizontal position for use during an exercise session and a substantially vertical position for temporary storage. Wang, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,842, discloses a present invention that relates to an improved electric treadmill with a single motor for adjusting the height of a running board and for folding the treadmill in which another motor is provided at the bottom of the running support in order to transmit a worm shaft which drives a gearbox in order for a polygonal output shaft at two sides of said gearbox to rotate at the original position; thereafter, two connecting rods of pulley blocks are driven to perform a height-adjusting action of the treadmill. Moreover, the actuating rod includes a pin at a proper position, and the running support contains a hole so that a pivoting fixing is created by means of the pin and the hole. Accordingly, after the two actuating rods are driven by the motor and another parts, the running support can be lifted or lowered in order to achieve the folding effect of the treadmill. Dalebout, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,350,218, discloses a fold-out treadmill that includes a deck having a rear end that is attached to a stationary base. The deck has a front end, a rear end, and a continuous belt rotatably mounted thereon. The rear end of the deck is moveably attached to the base so as to enable the deck to be selectively rotated between an operational position in which the deck is positioned for operation by a user positioned thereon and a storage position in which the deck is positioned proximate to the handrail. The treadmill also includes a collapsible handrail that has a rear end attached to the deck and an opposing front end projecting above the front end of the deck when the deck is in the operational position. The handrail is configured such that when the deck is moved between the operational position and the storage position the handrail does not extend beyond the rear end of the base. The treadmill also includes a fold-out assembly movably connecting the rear end of the handrail to the deck so as to enable the front end of the handrail to project above the front end of the deck when the deck is in the operational position and to automatically collapse into a compact storage configuration when the deck is rotated into the storage position. The fold-out assembly is configured such that the handrail is repositioned by a combination of pivotal movement and linear translation relative to the deck as the deck is selectively rotated from the storage position into the operational position. The fold-out assembly comprises a leg and a slider assembly. The slider assembly is connected to the rear end of the handrail and is configured to allow linear translation of the handrail relative to the deck when the deck is selectively rotated between the storage position and the operational position. Watterson, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,674,453 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,624 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,560, disclose a treadmill that has a tread base that is rotatably attached to and between a left upright and a right upright. The tread base is rotatable between a first position for performing exercises and an upright or storage position. A latching structure is provided to latch the tread base to the support structure. The treadmill also includes inclination structure for inclining the tread relative to the support surface when in the first position. The treadmill also includes rigid handles and in one configuration movable handles. The tread base also has a rigid undersurface or pan to fully enclose the underside of the tread base. A lift assist gas cylinder is also interconnected between the tread base and the feet attached to the uprights. Watterson, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,332 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,325, disclose a cabinet that has a tread base rotatably connected to be oriented in an exercise position extending outwardly and in a stored position extending inwardly secured within the enclosure of the cabinet. The underside of the tread base may be configured to provide a suitable aesthetic exterior surface. A latching arrangement is provided to secure the tread base within the enclosure in the second or stored position. Elevation structure and motor structure are provided to elevate the tread base when in the first position and to power the endless belt of the tread base when in the first position. The elevation structure may be operated to vary the inclination of the tread base when in the first position. The underside of the tread base has a decorative panel and functions as a door for the cabinet. The elevation structure may include an electrically driven rack and pinion as well as a gas cylinder system. Stevens, U.S. Pat. No. 5,733,228, discloses a folding treadmill exercise device that includes a frame adapted to extend in a substantially vertical direction during operation of the device and a substantially planar bed having a plurality of rollers and an endless belt disposed about the rollers. The bed is slidably and pivotally connected to the frame proximate a first end of the bed, wherein the bed is adapted to selectively slide along the frame and simultaneously pivot relative to the frame between a substantially horizontal operative position and a substantially vertical storage position. A lift assist mechanism adapted to urge the bed towards an upper end of the frame is provided to facilitate movement of the bed between its operative and storage positions. The bed may also be adjustably connected to the frame wherein height of the first end of the bed is selectively adjustable relative to height of a second end of the bed when the bed is in the substantially horizontal operative position. Hurt, U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,577, discloses a fold-up treadmill apparatus for in-place walking, jogging, and running exercise is provided. The treadmill apparatus includes a base assembly and a treadmill assembly. The treadmill assembly has a forward end and a rearward end. According to the presently most preferred embodiment, the forward portion of the treadmill assembly is pivotally mounted to the base assembly and the rearward end is free. The treadmill assembly includes a means for raising and lowering the forward end of the treadmill assembly, whereby the incline of the treadmill assembly can be adjusted between about zero degrees to the horizontal and about fifteen degrees to the horizontal when the rearward end of the treadmill assembly is supported on a floor. The rearward end of the treadmill assembly can also be pivotally rotated upward and about the pivotal connection to the base assembly, whereby the treadmill assembly can be moved between a substantially horizontal position for use during an exercise session and a substantially vertical position for temporary storage. Coody, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,537, discloses a foldable treadmill that is provided with a powered folding capability. The treadmill has a support and a track bed. The front end of the track bed is disposed pivotally to the support, and an incline motor connects to the support and to the track bed. The motor is operated to fold or unfold the track bed. The track bed back end can be raised or lowered, and the incline of the track bed can be adjusted up or down at the front end of the track bed. The support can be an upright support. A slot is formed in the upright support. The track bed adjustably connects to the slot. As the incline of a track bed is adjusted with the incline motor, the track bed is guided in the slot. Coody, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,868,648, disclose a treadmill that includes an up-right support, a track bed, and a gas spring attached at one end to the up-right support, and at the other end to the track bed. The treadmill further includes a latch attached to the up-right support adapted to connect with the end of the gas spring which is attached to the track bed. The latch may, preferably attach to a rod, which extends from the track bed and is attached to the gas spring. An incline motor attached to a middle portion of a frame retracts or extends a motor tube. This action, rotates an incline bracket connected to the motor tube and to a rear portion of a frame, to lower or raise a set of wheels connected to at the ends of the incline bracket. Dalebout, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,834, discloses a foldable treadmill that includes a deck having a rear end that is hingedly attached to a stationary base. The deck can be selectively rotated between an operational position, wherein the deck is substantially level, and a storage position, wherein the front end of the deck is lifted so that the deck is substantially upright. The treadmill also includes a handrail that is movably attached to the deck. The handrail has a first end attached to the base and an opposing second end projecting above the front end of the deck when the deck is in the operational position. The handrail is configured to automatically collapse into substantial alignment with the deck when the deck is rotated into the storage position. The deck and the handrail are configured such that the treadmill can be selectively stored against a wall and the deck selectively rotated from the storage position to the operational position causing the handrail to also move without either the deck or handrail contacting the wall. The deck selectively rotates into an operational position in which the handrail extends toward the front of the deck thereby allowing the user to face away from the wall. Hurt, U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,893 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,076, discloses a fold-up treadmill apparatus intended for in-place walking, jogging, and running exercise. The treadmill apparatus includes a base assembly and a treadmill assembly. The treadmill assembly has a forward end and a rearward end. According to the presently most preferred embodiment, the forward portion of the treadmill assembly is pivotally mounted to the base assembly and the rearward end is free. The treadmill assembly includes a means for raising and lowering the forward end of the treadmill assembly, whereby the incline of the treadmill assembly can be adjusted between about zero degrees to the horizontal and about fifteen degrees to the horizontal when the rearward end of the treadmill assembly is supported on a floor. The rearward end of the treadmill assembly can also be pivotally rotated upward and about the pivotal connection to the base assembly, whereby the treadmill assembly can be moved between a substantially horizontal position for use during an exercise session and a substantially vertical position for temporary storage. Watterson, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,557, discloses a treadmill that has a tread base that is rotatably attached to and between a left upright and a right upright. The tread base is rotatable between a first position for performing exercises and an upright or storage position. A latching structure is provided to latch the tread base to the support structure. The treadmill also includes inclination structure for inclining the tread relative to the support surface when in the first position. The treadmill also includes rigid handles and in one configuration movable handles. The tread base also has a rigid undersurface or pan to fully enclose the underside of the tread base. A lift assist gas cylinder is also interconnected between the tread base and the feet attached to the uprights. Watterson, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,857, discloses a cabinet that has a tread base rotatably connected to be oriented in an exercise position extending outwardly and in a stored position extending inwardly secured within the enclosure of the cabinet. The underside of the tread base may be configured to provide a suitable aesthetic exterior surface. A latching arrangement is provided to secure the tread base within the enclosure in the second or stored position. Elevation structure and motor structure are provided to elevate the tread base when in the first position and to power the endless belt of the tread base when in the first position. The elevation structure may be operated to vary the inclination of the tread base when in the first position. The underside of the tread base has a decorative panel and functions as a door for the cabinet. The elevation structure may include an electrically driven rack and pinion as well as a gas cylinder system. Watterson, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,672,140 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,674,156, disclose a treadmill that has a tread base that is rotatably attached to and between a left upright and a right upright. The tread base is rotatable between a first position for performing exercises and an upright or storage position. A latching structure is provided to latch the tread base to the support structure. The treadmill also includes inclination structure for inclining the tread relative to the support surface when in the first position. The treadmill also includes rigid handles and in one configuration movable handles. The tread base also has a rigid undersurface or pan to fully enclose the underside of the tread base. A lift assist gas cylinder is also interconnected between the tread base and the feet attached to the uprights.

The related art described above discloses several exercise equipments and in particular treadmill devices. The '747 reference is most similar to the presently described apparatus and this patent document is hereby incorporated by reference into the present application. However, the prior art fails to disclose the simplified and foldable treadmill of the present disclosure. In particular, the present invention distinguishes over the '747 invention by introducing a simplified structure that results in light weight, simplified assembly, low cost, more compact storage, and superior ease of use. The present disclosure distinguishes over the prior art in general providing heretofore unknown advantages as described in the following summary.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure teaches certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the objectives described below.

The chief drawback to current treadmill exercisers is that they are physically large and also quite heavy so as to be inconvenient for use in the home. However, such treadmill devices are very popular and the exercise that they afford is of such value that a strong demand exists for a lightweight folding treadmill. The present apparatus provides a treadmill frame rotationally supporting spaced apart rollers in turn rotatingly engaging a treadmill belt for revolving around the rollers and a motor frame pivotally engaged with the treadmill frame, the frame supporting a drive motor providing rotation of the treadmill belt. An upright frame in a simple rectangular shape with side struts pivotally engaged with the motor frame and a lower lateral struts positioned below the motor frame in a position for resting on a supporting surface. The treadmill frame, motor frame, upright frame and a support strut rotatable about pivots so as to position the treadmill frame at angles relative to the upright frame. A linear extender is engaged for setting an inclination of the treadmill belt relative to a supporting surface.

A primary objective inherent in the above described apparatus and method of use is to provide advantages not taught by the prior art.

Another objective is to provide a light weight treadmill that is able to be easily folded flat for storage.

A further objective is to provide such a treadmill that is able to provide variable tread speed as well as variable inclination angle.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the presently described apparatus and method of its use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Illustrated in the accompanying drawing(s) is at least one of the best mode embodiments of the present invention In such drawing(s):

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the presently described apparatus in an unfolded state and ready to use for exercising a user, as seen from above;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view thereof shown in the folded state;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view thereof as viewed from below and to one side with the apparatus unfolded and ready to use for exercising a user;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment thereof as seen from the front of the apparatus; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a still further alternate embodiment thereof as viewed from below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The above described drawing figures illustrate the described apparatus and its method of use in at least one of its preferred, best mode embodiment, which is further defined in detail in the following description. Those having ordinary skill in the art may be able to make alterations and modifications what is described herein without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, it must be understood that what is illustrated is set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as a limitation in the scope of the present apparatus and method of use.

Described now in detail, in a first embodiment, is a folding treadmill apparatus, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 resting on a supporting surface 5 such as a floor surface or a ground surface. The apparatus has a treadmill frame 10 preferably made of a rigid structural material such as steel and this frame defines a treadmill frame plane 10′, i.e., the plane of the treadmill frame. Frame 10 preferably has side walls 12 welded together using lateral ribs 14 and may provide supporting legs 16 with or without wheels at one end 13. The treadmill frame 10 rotationally supports spaced apart rollers 18 in turn rotatingly engaging a treadmill belt 15 configured for revolving around the rollers 18. Two rollers 18 are shown in the figures, but more than two rollers 18 are contemplated in a practical design. The belt 15 is supported by the rollers 18, and may also be supported by a panel engaged and held in place by the side walls 12 and which may have a slick surface for low friction with the moving belt 15.

A motor frame 20 is pivotally engaged with the treadmill frame 10 by pivots 55 as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 and the frame 20 defines a motor frame plane 20′, i.e., the plane of the motor frame. A drive motor 30 is mounted in, and fixed within the motor frame 20, the drive motor 30 engaging one of the rollers 18, preferably by a flexible drive belt 37 or similar drive train such as a chain drive or a drive shaft, thereby enabling motorized rotation of the treadmill belt 15. The drive belt 37 joins motor 30 and roller 18 as best shown in FIG. 1.

An upright frame 40 preferably has first and a second spaced apart essentially vertically oriented struts 42 joined with upper 44 and a lower 46 spaced apart essentially horizontally oriented struts, the struts 42, 44 and 46 forming a simple rectangular shape, the struts 42 being preferably pivotally engaged with the motor frame 20 by pivots 55; the lower one of the lateral struts 46 positioned below the motor frame 20 and may be in a position for resting on the supporting surface 5 or may have feet or bumpers for resting on the supporting surface 5. The upright frame 40 defines an upright frame plane 40′, i.e., the plane of the upright frame 40.

Preferably, first and second support struts 50 are pivotally engaged, each with one of the side struts 42 by pivots 55. One sleeve 60 pivotally engages with each one of the side walls 12 of the treadmill frame 10 and are slidingly engaged with the support struts 50.

An extender 70, preferably a linear pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, or a linear drive such as those using a linear gear, is positioned and pivotally engaged within the apparatus as shown in FIG. 3, so as to raise the treadmill frame 10 over a range of angles α with respect to the supporting surface 5 see FIG. 1 thereby selectively setting an inclination of the treadmill belt 15.

The major components of the apparatus, i.e., the treadmill frame 10, the motor frame 20, the upright frame 40 and the support struts 50 are all interconnected and rotatable about pivots 55 so as to position the treadmill frame 10 over a range of angles relative to the supporting surface for exercising and for folding the apparatus as will be described below.

Preferably, a control panel 80 and a handle 90 are engaged with the apparatus in a position above the treadmill frame 10 and each may be mounted on the upright frame 40, as shown, or on the support struts 50.

As shown in FIG. 3, the extender 70 is mounted between the lower one of the lateral struts 46 and the motor frame 20. Alternately, as shown in FIG. 5, the extender 70 may be mounted between a lateral brace 57 which joins the two support struts 50 and the motor frame 20.

As shown in FIG. 4, the upright frame 40 may be alternately configured for providing light weight construction and for more compact storage. The upright frame 40 may be rectangular, “T” shaped where the horizontally oriented strut is mounted on top of a centrally positioned vertically oriented strut, or it may take other shapes and forms.

As shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus is able to be moved into a folded position whereby the planes 10′, 20′ and 30′ are all in a nearly mutually parallel juxtaposition for highly compact storage of the apparatus.

The enablements described in detail above are considered novel over the prior art of record and are considered critical to the operation of at least one aspect of the apparatus and its method of use and to the achievement of the above described objectives. The words used in this specification to describe the instant embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification: structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word or words describing the element.

The definitions of the words or drawing elements described herein are meant to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements described and its various embodiments or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim.

Changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalents within the scope intended and its various embodiments. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. This disclosure is thus meant to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted, and also what incorporates the essential ideas.

The scope of this description is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims and it is made clear, here, that each named inventor believes that the claimed subject matter is what is intended to be patented. 

1. A folding treadmill apparatus resting on a supporting surface, the apparatus comprising: a treadmill frame rotationally supporting spaced apart rollers in turn rotatingly engaging a treadmill belt for revolving around the rollers, the treadmill frame defining a treadmill frame plane; a motor frame pivotally engaged with the treadmill frame, the motor frame defining a motor frame plane; a drive motor fixed within the motor frame, the drive motor engaging one of said rollers thereby enabling motorized rotation of the treadmill belt; an upright frame pivotally engaged with the motor frame, the upright frame providing means for resting on the supporting surface, the upright frame defining an upright frame plane; a support strut pivotally engaged with the vertically disposed strut; a sleeve pivotally engaged with the treadmill frame and slidingly engaged with the support strut; an extender positioned and pivotally engaged within the apparatus so as to raise the treadmill frame over a range of angles with respect to the supporting surface thereby selectively setting an inclination of the treadmill belt; the treadmill frame, motor frame, upright frame and the support strut rotatable about pivots enabling the planes of the treadmill frame, motor frame and upright frame to be positioned in essentially parallel juxtaposition.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a control panel engaged with the apparatus in a position above the treadmill frame.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a handle engaged with the apparatus in a position adjacent to the control panel.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the extender is enabled for extending in linear motion.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rotational engagement of the drive motor with the one of the rollers is one of a flexible belt, a drive chain, and a drive shaft.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the extender is mounted between the upright frame and the motor frame.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the extender is mounted between the treadmill frame and the motor frame.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the motor frame, is so pivotally engaged with the treadmill frame and the upright frame as to enable folding into side-by-side juxtaposition therewith.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the extender is positioned and enabled so as to move the motor, treadmill and upright frames into the side-by-side juxtaposition.
 10. A folding treadmill apparatus resting on a supporting surface, the apparatus comprising: a treadmill frame rotationally supporting spaced apart rollers in turn rotatingly engaging a treadmill belt for revolving around the rollers, the treadmill frame defining a treadmill frame plane; a motor frame pivotally engaged with the treadmill frame, the motor frame defining a motor frame plane; a drive motor fixed within the motor frame, the drive motor engaging one of said rollers thereby enabling motorized rotation of the treadmill belt; an upright frame pivotally engaged with the motor frame, the upright frame, when unfolded and positioned for exercising, providing at least one essentially vertical frame strut joined with at least one essentially horizontal frame strut, the frame struts providing a means for resting on the supporting surface, the resting means resting on the supporting surface; a support strut pivotally engaging at least one of said frame struts; a sleeve pivotally engaging one of: the treadmill frame and the motor frame and slidingly engaging the support strut; an extender positioned and pivotally engaged within the apparatus so as to position the treadmill frame at a selected angle with respect to the supporting surface thereby selectively setting an inclination of the treadmill belt. the treadmill frame, motor frame, upright frame and the support strut rotatable about pivots enabling for folding the apparatus for compact storage.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a control panel engaged with the apparatus in a position above the treadmill frame.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising a handle engaged with the apparatus in a position adjacent to the control panel.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the extender is enabled for extending in linear motion.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rotational engagement of the drive motor with the one of the rollers is one of a flexible belt, a drive chain, and a drive shaft.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the extender is mounted between the upright frame and the motor frame.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the extender is mounted between the treadmill frame and the motor frame.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the motor frame, is so pivotally engaged with the treadmill frame and the upright frame as to enable folding into side-by-side juxtaposition therewith.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the extender is positioned and enabled so as to move the motor frame, treadmill frame and upright frame into the side-by-side juxtaposition. 